A massive traffic jam infuriatingly gripped Japan's Sanyo Expressway recently, leaving commuters stuck in their vehicles and filled with regret over their trip. It's uncertain exactly what caused the traffic gridlock, although historically, construction work or unexpected incidents have often been the triggers. Authorities are working relentlessly to ease the traffic movement but it's proving to be a laborious task.

Traffic congestion is a recurring issue in Japan, especially on national holidays and during the Obon festival where millions hit the road to return to their hometowns. The Japanese public cares deeply about transport efficiency and safety. In the country where punctuality is highly valued, this story has likely triggered discussions on infrastructure improvements necessary to mitigate such issues.

While traffic congestion is a global issue, it's addressed differently across regions. For example, in the US, the use of high occupancy vehicle lanes and congestion pricing in major cities have been implemented to manage traffic flows. In the EU, urban planning and public transportation enhancement are used to control it.